James Evans MS has welcomed the changes to Bovine TB testing in Wales.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies MS has said the changes take into account the resources required by farmers and vets and cost-effectiveness.
The changes are as follows:
- The routine testing of calves under 42 days in a TB incident will no longer be carried out – unless the TB risk from these animals is considered high.
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Routine surveillance testing in Approved Finishing Units (AFUs), or Licensed Finishing Units (LFUs) is ceasing – unless the risk is considered high.
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Default Skin testing of a cattle herd, following slaughterhouse suspicion alone, will cease to be a requirement.
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Tracing tests will continue to reduce the risk of TB spread through movements of cattle from TB breakdown herds. However, data analysis of trace tests, currently supports a move away from trace testing of all cattle moved in low risk situations.
James Evans MS, Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, said:
"Whilst it is welcome that the Labour Government are finally listening to feedback from the farming community more needs to be done to eradicate this horrific disease.
“Behind every TB outbreak is a farmer and a family, the human impact and cost cannot be ignored.
“The Labour Government must do more, follow the science and utilise all the tools available in the toolbox to eradicate this horrific disease and bring much needed peace of mind to the farming community.”
